Profile for EvaDress - Threads

EvaDress

Alexandra Reynolds, Prescott, AZ, US member

I have been sewing with vintage patterns and machines since 1998-It is my passion!
I contributed to the article in Threads issue #132 Working with Vintage Patterns.
Visit me on the web: www.EvaDress.com
my blog at www.evadress.blogspot.com
Of course, I would like to be your sewing friend on Facebook!

This is a 1929 deco coat design originally by a German pattern company.
It has attractive couture details for today's wear in the pin tucks, godets and (faux) fur-trimmed cuffs and scarf.
I lined the...

Thank you for your compliment. I started sewing the ribbon across the cut of organza the end of April, 2011. I didn't clock how many hours total, but I spent May and into June bit-by-bit covering enough of the fabric until I had the amount needed to cut the dress. I then assembled the bodice pieces.

After returning from travel all of July, I cut and joined the skirt pieces, carefully matching the convergence at center front to get the perfect alignment between the right and left sides. I assembled and finished the dress over a couple weeks' time in August.

I have actually worn this blouse with the short brocade skirt you see in this ensemble I posted:

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/15968/mixed-media-ensemble

I have also worn it with a long, black wool flannel skirt (from a 1945 Vogue pattern) that is gathered in the back to resemble a small bustle.
So, the blouse is versatile in regard to wearing it with several skirt lengths.

Kate_W, I wore this last fall to the Annual Ghost Tour at our local Citizen's Cemetery, it was something of a party!

Jackie, I did not make the headpiece. I have since worn it with a simple crescent of black velvet berries and a hairstyle à la 1887 with some black diamond veiling over my face.
I have updated the photo on this post as such.

The original gown was sewn in the same manner-ribbon stitched upon fabric first, then cut out. The difference is that a few strips of ribbon were applied after all construction stitching was complete, such as along the joining of the bodice/skirt and the strips over the shoulders. Thank you for your comments!

Learning more about tailoring Victorian menswear will help me when drafting patterns of just about any kind. Also, having the knowledge will assist me when bulding any kind of garment, be it contemporary or from any passed era for men or women!

I will not wear a headpiece, but I do have the perfect masquerade mask to wear.
I am putting finishing touches on the gloves now and will have photos made in its entirey on me at this weekend's festivities!

While I have not used bias insets, I have long used double bias binding as my signature way of detailing the bottom edges of skirts, flounces, jackets and sleeves.
I have also used the double bias binding to make extra length in skirts and sleeves.
Thank you, Louise. Your presentation here also lends to a marvelous detailing opportunity I certainly will like to try in future.

tracytammaro, I do hope to get around the U.S. to teach perhaps starting with the 2010 ASDP conference.
I also plan to attend the Artwear Symposium at the Textile Center of Minnesota this June 2-8. Perhaps I could arrange something to do for that event in 2011.

Thank you for the compliments, Katielynne.
The metal content (I believe it to be nickel) lends this organza a unique stability.
The metal was definitely a plus in combination with the crinkle texture when narrow hemming.
Also, the manufacturer of the fabric cannot guarantee any cleaning recommendations which is why I reserve this fabric for designs which are cut away from areas most likely to soil such as the underarm - a factor which lent yet another level of challenge!

I always felt that if I were pre-20th century, I would fit best in the Natural form catagory for the 'scandlously' close fit and somewhat 'free' form.
Your detail on these pieces is stunning for having used contemporary tools and techniques.
I love how the skirt is tied. I am inspired to get the muslin for my 1877 project out and finally make a completed garment from it, thank you!